Package closing and locking mechanism



A. W. HARRIS.

PACKAGE CLOSING AND LOCKING MECHANISM.

A. W. HARRIS. PACKAGE CLOSING AND LOCKING4 MECHANISM.

MH rm m rw M555 mm" A. W. HARRIS.

PACKAGE CLOSING AND LOCKING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED IIIAII. I7, IsIIs.

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PACKAGE CLOSING AND LOCKING MECHAMSM.

RQ o i@ W M .m M l f APPLICATIUN FILED MAH. I7 1919.

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A. W. HARRIS. PACKAGE CLOSING AND LOCKING MECHANISM.

APPLICAUON FlLED MAR. 17| 19|9. 1 ,348,643. Patented Aug. 3, 1920.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

A. W. HARRIS.

lPACKAGE CLOSING AND LOCKING MECHANISNI.Y

APPLrcATIoN min MAH. Il. 1919.

1 348, 643. Patented Aug. 3, 1920.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

A. W. HARRIS.

PACKAGE CLOSING AND LUCKING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. l1. 1919.

1,348,643. Patented Aug. 3, 1920,

9 SHEETS-SHEET A. W. HARRIS. PACKAGE CLOSING AND LOCKING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. I7. |9I9. y 1,348,648. Patented Aug. 3, 1920.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 8.

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A. W. HARRIS.

PACKAGE CLOSING AND LOCKING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION man MAH. H, 1919.

1,348,643. PatentedAug. 3,1920,

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PATENT OFFICE.

SLEEPY EYE, MINNESOTA.

PACKAGE CLOSING AND LOCKING MECHANISM.

Speccation of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 3, 1920.

Application led March 17, 1919. Serial-N0. 283.180.

To all whom it may concern.'

13e it known that I, ARTHUR W. HARRIS, a citizen of the United States, resident of Sleepy Eye, county of Brown, State of Minnesota, have invented certain new and use- 'ui Improvements in Package Closing and Locking Mechanism, of which the Jfollowing is a speciication.

My invention relates in general to devices for automatically folding over and closing the end leaves or flaps oi' paper cartons or other similar packages and firmly securing the flaps in the closed position after the packages have been filled or packed, and it relates more particularly to a closing and locking device in connection with the carton packing machine disclosed in my application iled January 17, 1919, Serial No. 271,636.

It will be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the application in connection with the machine reierred to, but may be applied separate or ui connection with other devices.

The object of the invention is to provide means for mechanically closing cartons or other packages and interlocking the closing flaps with each other without the use of glue a way that the fla s may be reopened without injury to the pac age. A I

. Hcretofore. packages having` interlocking means of this character have generally been closed and secured by hand, involving much labor and expense, and the present invention aims to substitute i'or such hand labor a rapid, eiiicient and automatically operating` mechanical device.

My invention consists in the various constructions and combinations. all as hereinafter described and particularly pointed out in the claims.

.ln the accompanying drawings forming part of this specification,

Figure 1 is a side elevation, partly in section, of a portion of a carton filling and packing machine, having `my closing and locking device applied thereto.

Fic. 2 is a plan view of the machine, preferably the machine forming;r the subject Inattcr of my application above referred to,

lfig. 2S is a detail sectional view on the line of Fig. 2,

rig. 4f is a vertical transverse sectional view on the line 4--4 of Fig. l,

` 5 is a detail sectional view on the --5 of Fig. 2,

v 6 is a detail sectlonal view on the line ..1--6 of Fig. 5,

am; is a longitudinal sectional view on the line 7-7 of Fig. 4, illustrating how the two inner non-locking;r flaps may be folded over the end of the carton,

i ig. 8 is a perspective view of a completed folded and locking carton,

Fig. 9 is an end elevation of the closing and locking), mechanism,

'igj. 10 is a side elevation of Fig. 9, Fig. 11 is an end elevation of Fig. 10, showing the opposite end from Fig. 9,

lfig'. 12 is a sectional view on the line :1J-12 of Fig. 10,

Fig. 13 is a plan sectional view, illustrating the position ofthe mechanism for closing and securing the two interlocking flaps ci the carton immediately before the mechanism is started.

Fig. 14 is a sectional detail view on the line 1/1--14 of Fig. 5, showing the position 01"' the parts as in Fig. 13,

Fig. 15 is a detail sectional line 15-15 of Fig. 13, Y Y

Fig; 16 is a plan sectional view similar to Fig. 13, but showingr the parts advanced 'the first stepin the operation, f c

Fig. 17 is a detail sectional view similar to Fig. 15, showing the parts as in Fig. 16,

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the carton. illustrating;r the means for supporting the flaps after closing and the form of the interlocking' flaps before closing, as in Fig. 13, y y f l Fig. 19 is a `plan sectional View, similar to Figs. 13 and 16, howing. the parts advanced another step inthe operation, y Fig. 20 is a Vdetail sectional view similar to Figs. 14 and 17, showing the parts as in Fig. i i

y Fig'. 21 is a sectional View on the line 21Ml 1 ot Fig, 19, lookingr in the direction of the arrow, y

view on the bis Fig. 22 is an end elevation of Fig. 2l,

Fig. 23 is a detail sectional view on the line 23-23 of Fig. 2l, showing the flap grippingr parts in a different position,

l*`ig.y24 is `an illustrati ve .view on a larger scale, similar to Fig.' 22, showing the 4interloi-king parts a step further advanced,

Fig. 25 is a broken-away sectional view ol' the interlocking mechanism with the parts another step advanced,

Fig. 26 is a similar view with the parts still further advanced,

Fig. 27 illustrates the position of the parts when the lockingr operation has been complotted,

v Fig. 28 is a detail sectional view on the lino 28-28 of Fig. 2,

Fig. 28* is a view of a gripper operating Pam,

Fig. 29 is a sectional view on the line 2.9-29 of Fig. 28.

flic 11min driving mechanism.

Referringr to Figs. 1, 2, 28 and 29, numeral 30 represents the main frame, upon which is lmounted in bearings 31 the main driving shaft 32, havingr a suitabledriving pulley 33. A clutch control shaft 34 is journaled in bearings 35 and is driven from the shaft 32 by suitable gearing36 at a predetermined ratio. Clutch mechanism 37 and 38 control the transmission gearing 39 and 40 of the mechanism for feeding the blanks, packing and movingthe cartons. As this mechanism is no part of the present invention it will only be referred to in connection with the closing or folding of the two non-interlocking end flaps of the carton for which operating means is provided in the machine reterred to.

For the final closing and locking mechanism of the carton, a controlling clutch is provided -for periodically stopping the mechanism duringr the removal or packing ot the carton and starting it again at predetermined intervals. Referring to Figs. 1, V2, 5 28 and 29, the driving shaft 32 is provided vwith a clutch collar 4'1, fastened to the shaft and prov-idedwit'h clutch recesses 42. A clutch 43 is mounted loosely on the shaillt32 and a clutch pin 44 is adapted to slide in suitable bearings in. fthe clutch 43, entering the clutch recesses 42 preliminary tothe closingfanl locking operation. A bell crank lever r46, pivoted to the clutch at 47 en ages a ,slot in the clutch pin at 48 and a s* ot in a pivoted clutch lever 49 at 50. The

clutch p inf44 through its bell crank andlever connections is forced into clutch' connection with therotating clutch collar 4l`by a spring 51 bearing 'against theV clutch lever 49 and tending to force it outwardly away from the .center of Athe clutch.A A cam wheel 52 on the controller shaft 34 periodically enraees the clutch lever, forcing it inwardly against the tension oi' the spring 51 and holdingr the clutch pin out o't engagement with the collar 41 and in locked connection with a stationary .locking bar 53 (Fig. 28). A recess 54 is cut away in the periphery of the cam wheel 52 into which the projecting end 55 of the clutch lever enters once during every revolution ol the cam wheel and releases the clutch pin from its lock for connection with the clutch collar 41. .F or the purpose ol' making a quick release ol. the clutch lever, l preferably arrange a cam arm segment 56 carried by a spring 58 that is mounted on the cam Wheel and a stationary cam bar 57 is adapted to bear against the cam arm 56 and force it into line with the periphery of the Wheel 52 against the tension of its spring 58. As the cam arm 56 passes the bar 57 the segment is quickly disengaged from the clutch lever 49 and the clutch pin 44 instantly released for connection with the rotating collar 41, causing rotation of the clutch. This rotation is transmitted in reduced ratio to a countershaft 59 through a gear 6() secured to the clutch 43 and a gear 61 fast to one end of the shaft 59. Bearings 62 and 63 are provided for the shaft 59 and one end of the shaft carries a bevel gear 64, as shown in Figs. 1 and 15. A vertical shaft 65 (see Fig. 15) is journaled in bearings 66 and 57 on the frame 30 and a bevel gear 68 carrying sprocket teeth 69 meshes with the bevel gear 64 and imparts rotation to the shaft 65. A clutch 79, similar to the clutch 43, having a clutch pin 71 (Fig. 13) bell crank 72, clutch lever 73 and spring 74, is loosely mounted on the shaft 65 and rests on the sprocket 69. Said clutch is provided With a hub 75 projecting through bearings 76 and has a crank arm 7 rigidly secured to its upper end (Fig. 15).

The bevel gear 68 is provided with two clutch recesses or holes 78 and 79 for connection with the clutch pin 71 and a spring lock bar 89, fast to the frame 3() at 81, has two holes 82 and 83 into which the clutch pin enters when not connected to the gear 68 (Figs. 15 and 16). Clutch controlling shafts 84and 85 are mounted in bearings 86 and 87 and carry cam arms 88 and 89 respectively adapted to engage the clutch lever 73 and disconnect the clutch pin 71 from the sprocket 69. Gears 90 and 91 are secured to the shafts 84 and 85 respectively and mesh with a pinion 92 upon the shaft 65 which imparts er 1nal speed ofV rotation to the shafts 84 and 8 at a ratio of two to one. The shaft 65 furthermore carries a sprocket wheel 93 ,and a bevel gear 94 Figs. 1 and 2). A horizontalshaft 95 carryinga cam 96 is mounted in suitable bearings on the frame 3() andreceives motion b means of a bevel gear I97` meshing with t e ygear 94. This shatt, throngh the cam 96, operates the supporting and discharging means for the carlock bei' 152, normallyv held against a stop flap 140 must be curved away from the flap 153 by a spring 154, is pivoted to the frame 139 after all the flaps have been closed to et 155 and is adapted to receive and lock the bring the ends of the tongues in register withA clutch pin 1118 in a slot 156. Clutch sockets the slits :ind after the insertion of the are provided in the gear 14st for engage tongues, the curve in the flap is straightened, 3e

ment with Ehe -z^lntch pin to turn the clutch forcing the tongues through the slits and beand shaft. The gear 141 meshes with n gear tween the two flaps 139 :ind 1341. 'Ihe auto- 15H upon s. shaft 159 having bearings 160 matic locking mechanism follows this opera- :ind carrying a cani :irni 161. This cem erm OH Closely 111 ClOSiIlg and interlcking the lo is adapted to engage the slut. h lever 150 to flaps. 75

disengage the clutch pin 118 from the gear 1-'14 and force the pin into the slot of the lock n K D bei 152. The Shaft 115 extends through the The shaft 183 1s driven continually durupper bearing 116 above which it hes secured 111g the Whole operation. by means of the 15 to it a cam disk 162 having a crank pin 163 sprocket 93 of the driving shaft 65, the 80 (Fig. 5). A. bearing hlock or roller 164: is chain 192 and sprocket-193 upon the shaft preferably arranged upon the crank pin 163 18Z A sha ft 194, carrying a series of cams, and is engaged in a slotted recess 165 of a is journzded in progectlng bearings 195 on plate 166 and a rectangular har 168 adapted the yoke 185 and is revolved from the shaft 39 toslide ina slotted frame 169 ofe stationary 383 by means 0f gears 196 nd 19T- The 35 frame hracket170. The outer end of the har fork arms 186 of the yoke 185 are provided 168. projecting toward the carton, forms a. with converging projections 198 and tuelier hearing 171 for a short shaft 172, to which arms 199 having followers 200 which are the folder plates 173 are rigidly secured pivoted to the fork arms at 201. Axiall (Fig. 5.) An arm 174, secured to the shaft on e. line with the pivots 201 at 201l is 90 172, is connected b v a link 175 to an arm 176 hinged the plate 187, the side of which folof a spindle 177 having bearings 178 in the lows the converging lIlGS 0f Vthe PI'OjGCiOHS slide plete 166. Below the bcnrings 178 the 196 for some distance to where the openings spindle is provided with an erm 179 having 202 ere cnt away in the fork arms and plate 30 a downwardly projecting follower 180 ento make room for the tucker blades 203. 95 gaging the cam face 181 of the disk 162. A. These blades are fastened to the tucker arms spring 182 (Fig. 2) holds the follower and 199 and projecting through the openings cam in contact and as the com disk is rotated 202 are provided with curved ends 204. The in the direction of the arrow A in Fig. 13, followers 200 of the tucker arms 199 contact He the follower forced outward from the cenwith cams 205 and a spring 206 holds the 100 ter ofthe cani. swinging the folder plates infollowers rmly against the cams. As the ward in the direction of the arrow B (Fig. cams rotate, the tucker arms are rocked upon 13) through the arms 174 and 176 and link their pivots es indicated in ltig. 10. A pro- 175 (Figs. 2 and 19). This movement closes jecting arm 207 of the hinged plate 187 is th@ Hap 139 over the naps 133 and 134 and pivotally connected at 208 to a. projecting 105 plate 141, and is finished slightly in advance arm 209 of a slotted cam follower 210, as of the folding of the flap 140. best shown in Figs. 10 and 19. A cam 211,

Referring to additional Figs. 1, 9, 10, 11 fastened to the shaft 194, operates the fol and 12, e vertical shaft is journaled in lower 219 between shoulders 212 and 213 bearings 184.- upon the frame 30 and a swing and a slot 214, fitting the shaft, is cut away 110 ing voke 135,1iaving rigid fork arms 186 and in the bottom of the follower. As the cam a cent1-:illy arranged hinged plate 187, is pivrotates, the plate 187 swings on its hinges, otally supported on the shaft 183. Aforked :is shown in Figs. 16 and 19. A bar 215, connecting link 188 is pivoted to the arms 186 slidably secured to the plate 187, :is by a slot 59 :it 189 and to the crank pin 190 of the crank 216 and screws 217, is at one end provided 115 arm 77. As the clutch 7() and crank arm 77 with a hook 218 and at the other end with a rotate from the position in Fig. 13 to that segmental cani follower 219, held against e in Fig. 16, the yoke 185 and plate 187 are cam 220 by n spring 182. The cani 220 is swung around the shaft 183 as an axis in the also fastened. to the shaft 194 and as it ro- 05 direction of the arrow C in Fig. 13, folding tates, the hooked bar 215 slides with respect 120 the flap over the end ofthe carton, coverto the plate 187, as shown in Figs. 13 and ing the folding plates 173, flap 139, plate 1411 19. At the opposite side of the yoke and flaps 133 and 134 and bringing the parts (see Figs. 9, 21 and 23) two gripper arms in position for the interlocking of the flaps 221, provided with slots 222 for gripping 6G 139 and 140. ln the cartons or packages the edges of the flap 140 ere pivoted at 223 125 as usually manuxctured for closing and (Figs. 1 and 21). Followers 224. extend The locking mec/zmizsm.

fastening by han( slits 191 are provided in diagonallv through openings 225 in the voke one of the interlocking flaps 139 through 185 and engage cam faceson the cams` 205 which the tongues 192 of the other closing and a` spring 227 holds the followers in con- 66 flap 140 are passed. To accomplish this the tact with the cams. As the cams are rotated, 130

nseses the raised cam faces 228;: force the grippers cated in Figs. 16 and 17 where the clutch to the full line position Yin Fig. 21. Y Y 147 has moved 4U degrees and paused for The operation of the iinal folding sixty degrees and the crank arm has moved locking device is as follows: Y 15() degrees. The pause of the clutch 147 The two `inner carton :flaps 133 and 134 and cam 162 continues for another sixty de- 70 having been folded in the manner above grees, when the next clutch hole 157 registers described andthe parts being as shown parwith the clutch pin and the revolution is ticularly in Figs. 1, 2, 13 and 18where the completed. stationary plate 141 is shown supporting By the rotation of the eran f arm 77 and the folded flaps 133 and 134 and the cam the cam 162 to the positions shown in Figs. 75 arm 56 having `inst passedD the stationary 16 and 17, the cam has caused the folding cam bar 57 and released the clutch pin 44 lates 173 to swing on their pivot to fold the for connection with Ytherotating Vcollar 41 liap 139 of the carton over the stationary on the main driving shaft 23. This shaft plate 141 and the crank arm 77 has operated 15 will, as the gear ratio is calculated, complete to swing the hinged plate 187 ou its pivot 30 twelve revolutions during the folding and to fold the flap 140 over the folding plates locking operation, when it will be stopped 173, the movement of these plates being by the peripheral flange of the cam wheel quick and timed to occur in advance of the 52 engaging the clutch lever 49 and throwing movement of the plate 187.

the clutch pin away from the collar 41 and As the plate 187 swings around the cam 35 into the lock bar 53. During this period shaft 124, also revolving, the position of the the followingparts will continuously revolve parts are now as in Fig. 16, the tuckers and complete a number of revolutions, as resting lightly against the iiap 1:59 between follows: shaft 59fffour; shaft 65--tw0; the folding plates 173. An open space,

cam arm shafts 84 and S-,oneg sprocket somewhat wider than the thickness of the 90 143 and gear 144one and one-third; cam folding plates on account of the bulging of arm shaft ll59-one; shaft 183-four; cani the paper is now formed between the two shaft 194-two, and shaft 95-one revolunaps, which the thin end of the hook is in tion. The clutch 70 with crank arm 77 will a position to enter. As the cam shaft recomplete one revolution with two intervenvolves at equal speed with the drive shaft., 95 ing pauses and the clutch 147 will complete the cams ou this shaft have rotated 150 deone revolution with one intervening pause. grecs plus about one-quarter the planetary The clutch 7 6, being in operative connection swing of the shaft 194 around the shaft 183, with the bevel gear 68, wili at once nuove and have brought the cani 220 to a position with its crank arm toV position 2u shown in where a further rotation Causes the hook to m0 full lines in Figs. 16 and 19, or about 150 be drawn inward by the spring 182 to pass degrees, where it is stopped by cam arm 88, between the flaps 139 and 140, as indicated throwing the clutch pin 71 away from the by dotted lines in Fig. 16. At the same bevel gear 68 and into the lock bar hole 82. time the earn faces 228 are operating to close As the gear 68 continues to rotate and like the grippers 221 over the inner edges of the 105 wise the cam arm 88, the clutch pin is held flap 140. As the shaft revolves, the gripin the locking bar hole 82 by the upper face pers continue closing and simultaneously of the gear 66 and the cam arm 8S, having the cam 211 causes the plate 187 with the passed the clutch lever 73,the clutch pin will hook 218 thereon to swing outward on its 4e be free to enter the clutch hole 79 to again hinge, curving the flap 140 outward in a 110 start the clutch, as shown more clearly in semi-conical form, the inner edges of the Fig. 19. This will advance the crank arm iap being held by the grippers 2211 the flap 77 about 60 degreesV to a position 4" in Fig. assuming an angular converging position, as 16, where it will. be stopped by cam arm 85, illustrated in Figs. 19h21 and 22. The clos- 1 r so forcing the clutch pin 71 into the locking ing movement of the grippers proceeds 1 bar hole 83. The clutch will remain at this slightly in advance of the outward swingpoint until the clutch hole 78 again passes ing of the hook and during the operation underneath the clutch pin when it will again the gripper-s follow the inward drawing of engage and the clutch will complete the the flap edges and keep said edges against 100 revolutions. the end of the carton.

The clutch 147, being alsoV in Voperative The folder plates 173 assist the gripper-s connection with the gear 144 at the colnin closing over the edge of the flap by premencement of rotation, the Acam disk will venting sidewise movement of the flap and at once be advanced to position in Fig. 16 or as soon as the grippers have engaged the about forty degrees, where it is checked by edges of the Hap the folder plates begin to 125 the cani arm 161 in a similar manner as withdraw from between the flap, the rest clutch 70. The rotating gear 144 will hold periods of the shaft 65 having meanwhile the clutch pin 148 in the locking bar 152 terminated. The crank pin 163, turning in until the next clutch hole 157 registers with the direction of the arrow from .the position the pin for i.. pause of 120 degrees, as indi-` shown in Fig. 16, moves the slide 166 and 130 thus causes the flap folding plates to withdraw from the carton, the peculiar formation of the camsurface preventing swinging cams 205 to move the tuekers 203 to the extreme center position with respeet to the carton, as shown in Fig. 2%, forcing the tongues 192 against the flap 139 immediately inside the slits 191.

At this point of the operation the crank arm 77 is advanced from position 2 to 4 in Figs. 16 and 19 and in passing the position 3a, the plate 187 is swung forward slits in the flap, as shown in Fig. 25. operation is assisted by the stationary plate keeping the main body of the slitted g inward under the pressure and at the same time the cutaway ortion of the guide permits one side of the slit to be opened inward. While the tuckers are pressed inward, the grippers 221 and hook 215 are still holding the flap and as .the drawn, the cutaway portion 173e of the plates permits the tuckers to pass the outer projecting portion still in contact with the portions of the flap outside the slits. Just before the crank arm 77 reaches the center position 3 the tucker arms 205 .move the Fig. 26, moves toward position 4: and recedes the tuekers draw the slit wall outward, the grippers at the same time being withdrawn from the flap edges. The folding plates stop at cani 220 and plate cam have assumed positions which by their continued rotation cause the plate 187 to swing inward and the As the plate 187 approaches the carton and straightens out the flap, the tongues are forced outward under the curved tucker ends 204 into the slits until the plate 187 passing slightly beyond the position shown in Fig. 16. completely closes and straightens the flap firmly against the end of the carton and securely locks the tongues under the tuckers and in the slits, as illustrated in Fig. 27. At this point the tucker cam passes again. the intermediate position completing one revolution` and the spring withdraws :,saagesa from the slits in the wall, as

the tuckers i dotted lines in Fig. 27. This indicated in 1s swung away from the carton to the original position, the folder cam completes its revolution, the cani shaft 194 the other flap.

2. The combination, with means for holding a carton having closing flaps thereon provided respectively with tongues and slits forinterlocking the flaps one with the ot er, of arms mounted to grip the edges of the tongue-carrying flap-` and means for bending said flap to position the tongues thereon opposite the slits of the other flap. 3. T e combination, with means for holding a carton having closing flaps thereon provided respectively with tongues and slits for interlocking the flaps to enter the slits in the tother Hap for gripthe tongue-carrying flap, for bending the flap to position the tongues for entering the slits, and means for directing the tongues through the slits.

5. The con'lbil'lation.` with means for holding a carton having closing flaps provided 136 (lll to enter the slits with tongues and slits respectively, of plates Jor Jfolding the inner of said flaps to its closing position, sai plates having an initial swinging movement, means lor 'folding the outer flap to its closing position, and interlockin the tongues ot one iiap with the slits o? the other flap, said plates having a final sliding movement to withdraw them from between said ilaps and mechanism for o erating said plates and said outer flap iolding and interlocking means.

6. The combination, with means Jfor holding a illed carton having closing flaps provided with tongues and slits, of plates mounted to engage one of said closing flaps, a slide whereon said plates are supported, a linl: mechanism connected with said plates Jfor oscillating them, a cam for operating said slide and said link mechanism, and means for folding the other flap and engaging the slits of one Jlap Withthe tongues of the other flap.

7. The combination, with means for holding a illed carton having closing flaps pro-- vided with slits and tongues for interlocking one with the other, of means for folding and closing the inner oi two flaps, Va plate mounted to engage and close the outer oi two flaps, means slidably mounted on said plate vfor engaging said outer flap and houding its middle portion outwardly to position its tongues to enter the slits of the other iiap, and mechanism mounted to operate said plate and said sliding means successively.

8. The combination, with means 1Sor holding a filled carton having closing flaps previded with slits and tongues respectivelyT tor interlocking one with the other, of means for closing one of said flaps, means mounted to engage and close the outer liap, a device slidahly supported by said outer lap closing means and positioned to engage the middle portion of said outer flap for bending it outwardly to position its tongues to enter the slits in the inner flap, and mechanism JorV operating said outer iiapclosing means and said sliding device successively. f

Q. The combination, with means for holding a filled carton having closingI flaps provided with slits and tongues respectively for interlocking one with the other, ot means tor closing one of said flaps, means mounted to engage and close the outer flap, a device slidaol5T supported by said outer {lap-closing means and positioned to engage the middle portion oi saidV outer flap to hand it :outwardly and position said tongues in the inner flap, a cam mechanism 1lor operating said outer flap` Vclosing means and engaging said sliding device wththe flap and mechanism for movin g said device to engage said outer flap and retracting said flap-closing means to houd said flap.

10. The combination, with means for holding a lilled canon having closing flaps thereon provided with slits and tongues ior interlocking one with the other, of means for holding the inner of two iiaps, means for folding the outer 'llap to its closing position, means for gripping the edges of said outer lap near thc 'fold therein, means for bending the middle portion ot said llap while its edges are held hy said gripping means to position the tongues to enter the slits of the other lil-ap, and means i'or direrting said tongues through said slits.

ll. rThe combination, with means ior holding a illed Garten having closing flaps provided with slits and tongues Vtor interlocking one With the other, of mechanism 'for elosing one oiE said flaps. a plaie mounted to fold the outer ilap to its closing position, a hook device carried h v said plate to engage said outer flap and hend it out` wardlyY to position the tongues to enter said slits, and a cam mechanism for successively operating said plate and said hook device.

lZ. The combination, with means for holding a carton having rlosing flaps thereon provided with slits and tongues vlor intorloclring one with the other, of means for folding the inner of two llaps, a hinged plate mounted to engage the outer ilap, a hool slidahlv mounted on said hinged plate and haring an inwardly turned end adapted to engage the edge of said outer l'lap and n1ec,.1anisin for iirst moving said plate to told said outer iiap and reciprocating said hook to engage it with the edge oi' said Hap, and means for withdrawing said plate and hook to pend said outer 'iiap and position the tongues thereon to enter the. slits in the inner flap.

i3. The combination, with means for holding a carton having closing flaps thereon provided with tongues and slits, oi means 'for folding the inner oi two ilaps, a pivotod yoke, a plate hinged thereon, a hook device slidaloly mounted. on said plate and having an inwardly turned end for engagement with the middle portion oi said outer liep, moans for gripping the edges of: said outer ilap to hold them during the bending operation, and mechanism for oscillating said plate to first told said outer iiap partially, then projecting said hoolr and oscillating said plate to position the hook vtor engagement with the outer flap, then retracting said hook device to enter it between the two llaps, then swinging said plate outwardly to bend the iiap and position the tongues thereon to enter the slits.

l-t. A carton closing device comprising a sha'l't, a yoke pivoted thereon, a platehinged on said yoke, a cam shaft driven from said first named shaft, a hook device slidahly lill mounted on said hinged plate, a crank conneet-ed with s'aia yoke for oscillating it to l'old a carton i'lap, and mechanism actuated by said cani sha't and cams for oscillating said hinged plate and operatingl said hook device to hond the flap.

lo. A carton ilap closing device comprising a shaft, a yoke pivoted thereon, a cam shaft geared to said iirst-named shaft, a plate hinged onsaid yoke and having means for engaging and bending the carton flap a crank Yarm connected with said yoke or oscillating it to make the initial fold in the iap, and mechanism actuated through said cani shai't tor oscillating said hinged plate and operating said flap-engaging means` to bend the flap.

lo. The combination. with a shaft, of a yoke pivoted thereon, a crank arm connected with said yoke. a clutch controlling the movement of said crank arm, a plate hinged on said yoke, a hook device mounted on said plate for reciprocation thereon independently oiI the movement oi" said plate, a shaft geared to said first named shaft, a series oil cams thereon and means actuated successively by said cams for oscillating said hinged plate and reeilrirocatiug said hook device to engage and bend the Hap of a caon.

17. The combination, with means tor supporting a carton having,r closing iiaps provided with slits and tongues for interlocking one with the other, ot' means for moving the Hap havingr the slits therein to its closing position, a shaft, a yoke pivoted thereon, a crank connected with said yoke for oscillating it to partially fold the tongue-carrying flap, a plate hinged in said yoke, a device carried thereby for engaging the edge of said tongue-carrying flap, and cams mounted to oseillate said hingei'l plate and operate said Hap-engaging device to bend said tongue carrying flap and position the tongues thereon to enter the slits in the other closing flap.

18. The combination, With means for supporting a carton having closing flaps provided ivith slits and tongues for interloek ing one with the other, of means for moving the flap having the slits therein to its closing position, a shaft, a yoke pivoted thereon, a crank connected With said yoke for oscillating it to partially fold the tongue-carrying flap, a plate hinged in said yoke, a device carried thereby tor engaging the edge oi" said tongue carrying flap and cams mounted to oscillate said hinged plate and operate said flap -engaging device to bend said tongue carrying flap and position the tongues thereon to enter the slits in the other closing iiap. and means for guiding said tongues into said slits.

i9, The combination, With means for supporting a carton having closin flaps provided vvith slits and tongues for interlocking one With one with the other, of means for moving the flap havingl the slits therein to its closing position, a shaft, a yoke for oscillating said shaft to partiell;T i'old the tongue-carrying flap, a plate hinged on said yoke, a device carried thereby for engaging the edge ol said tongue-carrying flap and cams mounted to oscillate said hinged plate and operate said iiaip-engaging device to bend said tongue-carrying .flap and position the tongues thereon to enter the slits in the other closing flap, and tucker blades for guiding said tongues into the slits oll the other closing flap.

2U. The combination, with means for holding a carton having closing flaps provided respectively with tongues and slits for interlocking one with the other, oi" means i'or folding one ot' said flaps to its closing position, means for engaging and partially iiolding the outer Hap, means for bending the outer flap to position the, tongues thereon to enter the slits of the inner iap, pivoted tucker arms mounted adjacent said outer flap, cams for operating said arms, a spring for holding sai i arms in contact with said cams, tucker blades mounted on said arms and having curved ends for opening the slits of the inner Hap and guiding the tongues ot the outer iiap through said slits.

rlie combination, with holding a carton having closing flaps thereon provided With tongues and slits, of means ,Ver folding the inner of the two flaps to its closing position, a shaft, a yoke pivoted thereon. a plate hinged on said yoke, a slide mounted on said plate, grippers for engaging the edges of the outer locking flap, er arms having tanker blades for guiding the tongues of the outer la p into the slits of the inner flap, a cam shaft driven from said first-named shaft, cams thereon for successively operating said hinged plate, said slide, said grippers and said. tucker means for arms, a crank connected with said yoke, and

mechanism for operating said. crank at predetermined intervals to position said yoke and said hinged plate With respect to the iiaps.

22. The combination, with means for holding a carton having closing Haps provided respeetively with tongues and slits for interlocking one with the other, of means for folding the inner flap to its closing position, a shaft` a yoke pivoted thereon, a plate hinged on said yoke, a spring-retracted slide carried by said plate, gripper arms for engaging the edges of the outer flap for holding it while said slide engages the middle portion to bend the flap, tueker arms having means for guiding the tongues of the outer flap to enter the slits of the innerflap', a, camshaft driveni jfrom said first-named Shaft, ajselies off cams thereon for successively operating said hinged plate, said grippers, said slidev and said tucker arms, a crank connected vvith said yoke for moving it and said plate to partially fold the outer flap, and means for timing the movement of said crank, said Vplate having an independent movement to position the slide to engage and bend said; flap, and a final movement :to flatten theliap when the tucker arms have guided theA tongues of the outer flap through the slits of the inner flap.

23. The combination, with means for supporting a carton having inner and outer closing flaps provided respectively with slits and tongues, of means for folding the inner flap to its closing position, a pivoted yoke, a crank connected with said yoke, a plate hinged on said yoke, a hook mounted to slide on said plate, gripper arms for engaging the edges of the outer flap, tucker arms and blades for engaging the tongues of the outer flap, a shaft, cams mounted thereon for operating said hinged plate, said hook, said grippers and said tucker arms, to position said plate and hook to engage and bend said outer flap While its edges are held by said grippers and position said tuckers to engage said tongues, the initial movement of said crank operating said yoke to fold said outer flap, subsequent movement of said crank pressing said tuckers through said slits and final movement of said crank pulling said tuckers outwardly to open said slits and allow said tongues to slide freely therein when said outer flap is flattened by the inal cam-actuated movement of said plate.

The combination, with means for sup porting a carton having inner and outer closing flaps provided respectively with slits and tongues, of means for folding the inner flap to its closing position, a pivoted yoke, a crank connected With said yoke, a plate hinged on said yoke, a hook mounted to slide on said plate, gripper arms for engaging the edges of the outer iiap, tucker arms and blades for engaging the tongues of the outer flap, a shaft, cams mounted thereon for operating said hinged plate, said hook, said grippers, and said tucker arms, to position said plate and hook to engage and bend said outer flap while its edges are held by said grippers and position said tuckers to engage said tongues, the initial movement of said crank operating said yoke to fold said outer flap, subsequent movement of said crank pressing said tuckers through said slits and final movement of said crank pulling said tuckers outwardly to open said slits and a1- lovv said tongues to slide freely therein when said outer flap is, flattened by the final camactuated movement of said plate, and a plate interposed between the carton and said inner closing flap a ainst which plate the inner flap is seated and held While its slits are opened by the tucker arms.

25. The combination, with means for holding a lled carton having closing iiaps, of mechanism for holding one of said iaps to its closing position, mechanism for folding the other of said flaps to its closing position and interlocking one flap With the other, a. clutch device connected with said folding mechanisms and means for timing the operation of said clutch device.

26. The combination, With means for holding a carton having closing flaps with slits and tongues respectively for interlocking one With'the other, of mechanism for folding one of said flaps to its closing position, mechanism for folding the other of said iiaps to its closing position and engaging the tongues of one flap with the slits of the othe flap, a crank connected with one of said flap-folding mechanisms, a clutch controlling the operation of said crank, and means for timing the movement of said clutch.

27. The combination, with means for, holding a carton having closing flaps provided respectively with slits and tongues for interlocking one with the other, of mechanism Afor folding the inner of said flaps to its closing position, a hinged yoke. a plate pivoted thereon, a crank connected with said yoke for imparting movement thereto at a predetermined point in the closing operation, a clutch controlling the movement of said crank, means carried by said hinged plate for engaging the outer flap to position its tongues to enter the slits of the inner Hap, and a cam mechanism for operating said hinged plate and said flapengaging means.

28. The combination, with means for holding a filled carton having inner nonlocking iiaps and outer locking flaps, of means for moving said non-locking flaps to their closing position` a. plate mounted to engage and hold said flaps in such position. mechanism for folding the locking flaps against said plate, and means for interlocking one of said locking flaps with the other during the folding operation.

29. T he combination, with means for supporting a carton having inner non-interlocking iaps and outer locking flaps thereon, said outer flaps having tongues and slits respectively for interlocking engagement, of means for closing said non-interlocking flaps, means for folding the inner locking flap to its closing position, means for folding the outer locking flap and bending it to position the tongues thereon to enter the slits of the inner locking flap, means for guiding the tongues through said slits,

clutch mechanisms for controlling the operation of said means, and means for timing the movement of said clutch mechanisms.

30. The combination, with means for supporting a carton having inner non-interlocking flaps and outer locking flaps thereon, said outer flaps having tongues and slits respectively for interlocking engagement, of means for closing said non-interlocking flaps, means for holding said non-interlocking flaps in their closed position, means for folding said locking flaps one upon the other and positioning the tongues of the outer locking flap to enter the slits of the inner Hap, and guiding them therein, clutch mechanisms for controlling the operation of said means, and means for timing the movement of said clutch mechanisms.

31. The combination, With means for supporting and gripping a carton having noninterlocking and locking flaps thereon, of means for folding said. non-interlocking flaps one against the other', means for folding said locking flaps to their closing position and interlocking one with the other, a clutch mechanism controlling the operation of said supporting and gripping means and said folding and interlocking means, and means for timing the movement of said clutch mechanism.

In witness whereof my hand this Qfith da ART I have hereunto set of February, 1919. UR W. HARRIS. 

